H8 WHIPS – SPECIFICATIONS (RULE 149(ii))

03-05-2007

Please note that there have been several amendments made to the whips since the end of last year. There are now four versions of the new whip, which is now readily available via the valets, and the usual outlets and riders are permitted to change and customise handles.

The HRA formally introduced the new air-cushioned whip on April 1 and the rule has been enforced since May 1.

MODICATION OF “THE ORDERS AND RULES OF RACING”

The Horseracing Regulatory Authority has approved the following modications to the “Orders and Rules of Racing”, to take effect on and after March 31 2007:

H8 WHIPS – SPECIFICATIONS (RULE 149(ii))

Only whips which have been approved by a panel nominated by the HRA will satisfy compliance with Rule 149(ii). In approving any such whip, a panel will have regard to all the specifications set out below including the mandatory shock absorbing characteristics.

The whips have been designed, constructed and approved for either Flat or Jump races and are only to be carried in those races for which they have been approved.

(a) With regards to whips carried in Flat races, a maximum length, including flap, of 70 cms; With regards to whips carried in Jump races, a maximum length, including flap, of 68 cms;

(b) Minimum diameter of 1 cm.

The only additional feature which may be attached to the whip is a flap. If a flap is attached it must fall within the specifications below:-

(c) A maximum length of flap from the end of the shaft of 10 cms;

(d) A maximum width of the flap of 4 cms, with a minimum width of 2 cms;

(e) The flap from the end of the shaft must not contain any reinforcements or additions.

(f) There shall be no binding within 23 cms of the end of the flap;

(g) The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm;

(h) The flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area;

(i) The overall weight must not exceed 160 gms.